Safety, Security and the Environment

Worker safety remains a key consideration in the movement of millions of tons of cargo at West Coast ports each year. Employers and workers have joined together in seeking to stress the importance of awareness, vigilance and preparedness on the waterfront. To that end, all workers receive comprehensive safety training as part of their initial orientation, and safety lessons are reinforced at job sites daily.

Fortunately, as technology has enabled terminals to modernize their operations, fewer incidents are occurring than in the past. In fact, the accident rate at West Coast ports is currently at its lowest level since PMA began keeping records. Awareness by workers and employers is the first step in ensuring that safety records continue to get better.

Security
PMA members have worked with local and federal authorities to enhance security both at marine terminals and throughout the supply chain. During the past decade, a number of measures have been taken focusing on physical security, terminal access and identification of suspect cargo before it reaches U.S. shores. PMA members continue to cooperate with these efforts moving forward.

The Environment
West Coast ports have taken a number of steps to reduce the environmental impact of operations. These include improvements in the fuel types used for both vessels and terminal equipment, as well as using technology to reduce truck wait-times, thus limiting emissions from idling vehicles. The use of shoreside electrical power, or cold ironing, has increased, further reducing emissions.